About Pinecrest

Pinecrest Academy is a private Catholic school serving Pre-K through 12 students. We provide an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking, while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason.

Become a Pinecrest Student

Learn more about our education philosophy and award-winning school by visiting our beautiful 68-acre campus. Call 770-888-4477 to schedule a personalized tour, or attend one of our open house events. We can’t wait to meet you!

Academic Excellence

Fundamental and distinctive to the Pinecrest Academy educational philosophy is Integral Formation®. This proven method involves the concentrated, systematic and directed way of educating a child who becomes capable of projecting God’s love into the wider community and culture around him. We view Integral Formation® as four pillars: Intellectual, Human, Spiritual and Apostolic Formation.

Leadership through Athletics

At Pinecrest Academy, we believe athletics plays a very important role in preparing our student-athletes to strive to maximize their character and leadership skills. Our school motto "semper altius", meaning "always higher", challenges our students to be their best for the team and for Christ. Our philosophy of Integral Formation® is incorporated into the athletic program as we work to develop Christian leaders who will transform society.

Arts

Research has shown that an education program that includes the arts promotes student success, not only in terms of academic achievement, but also in learning and development outside of the classroom, such as critical thinking, decision making and social skills. At Pinecrest Academy, fine arts is an integral part of our curriculum from PreK3 through 12th grade.

Campus Life

Because of Pinecrest Academy’s commitment to the development of the whole person, we provide students with opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. Our extracurricular clubs and events allow students to explore personal interests and develop new skills and talents. From band and vocal ensembles to the Kindergarten Circus, drama productions to the Saints Parade, our events enhance the curriculum and build school spirit.

Supporting Pinecrest

Pinecrest Academy is blessed with a strong tradition of giving. Our parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff and extended community continually demonstrate giving hearts. We are truly grateful for this support. This generosity helps us fulfill our mission to form Christian leaders who will transform society.

Calendar

Pinecrest Academy is a private Catholic school serving Pre-K through 12 students. We provide an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking, while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason.

Reflections on a Show Week

3/21/2017

Erin McGraw, High School Fine Arts Chair

With each passing show week, my passion and love for the theater is rejuvenated and strengthened. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the cast and crew as they realize that they were capable of so much more than they thought, as they finally come together to work for a common goal, and as they take personal responsibility to do their part to help make all the pieces of the show come together. I am inspired by these amazing young people and honored to have the opportunity to work with them.

Art Williams’ quote comes to mind when I reflect on show week. “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” Show week is long and tiring. It can often be stressful and challenging. But when it comes to an end, it’s always an incredible and memorable experience – definitely “worth it”. This week was no exception.

Please enjoy reflections about show week from some members of the cast and crew.

Sophomore, Rachel Dougal stated, “Show week is one of the craziest times of the year–late rehearsals after long days of school, and hours upon hours spent with the same people. It can be very stressful, no doubt. But it's also when the cast truly comes together as a family. We all support each other and keep each other going. We have worked so hard to put the show together, and it's bittersweet to have it come to an end, but we are also proud to share our work with our audience. We will remember ‘The Sound of Music’ as one of our best shows. It was such a fun experience and reminded me of my love for theater.”

Lindsey McCabe, junior, has learned the valuable lesson of patience, while gaining new friendships through her involvement with theater. “I've been in 23 different show weeks and if I've learned anything from them, it's patience. During the week, everyone gets incredibly sleep deprived, and it is very easy to get annoyed at people. The great thing about show week, however, is that it forces you to talk to everyone, and you are able to make a lot of new friends. For instance, this week I have become closer with a lot of freshmen that I probably wouldn't have talked to otherwise.”

Freshman Anne Frain echoed similar sentiments about creating new friendships. “This show was such an amazing experience, not only for us, but for the people watching it. They got to see our new friendships and how we bonded.”

“I really enjoyed making new connections and friendships with people I did not know well, especially the 7th graders,” stated sophomore, Anne Marie Doxtader.

"Show week is always stressful, but it's so worth it. I made new friends, and people now know who I am. And I have a bit more of confidence,” said freshman, Allie Owings.

Junior Erin Houlihan experienced her first show week at Pinecrest, playing the role of Liesel. “Show week was one of the most hectic weeks of my life. You go from school, to various sport practices, and then to rehearsal; by the end of the day, when you get home, you’re exhausted and then end up getting around five hours of sleep, due to the amount of homework that you have. However, show week is also the most fulfilling and joyful week I could ever be a part of. The people that surrounded me during the week are the reason that all the effort put into the play was well worth it. Also, it is an honor to work with Ms. McGraw. Her energy and positivity lights me up every single day, and she is the primary reason for the success of this program. I am blessed to be a part of ‘The Sound of Music’ cast and would absolutely do it again.”

“Show week is crazy and stressful, but we all pull through and make it together,” shared junior, Maddie Lynch.

Freshman, Camille Lueder shared that, “during show week, I experienced how teamwork and hard working people can make an amazing performance.”

Leading lady, Olivia Gannon, played Maria Von Trapp and enjoyed her first experience in a Pinecrest production. “Being a part of such a loving and caring cast and crew has been a great blessing. It has left an amazing memory that will be in my heart forever.”

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Pinecrest Academy is a private PreK3-12 Catholic school located in Cumming, South Forsyth, just minutes from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Suwanee. We serve families of all faiths seeking a Christian education for their children. To learn more about our unique educational philosophy, visit our Welcome page.

SEMPER ALTIUS = ALWAYS HIGHER

The mission of Pinecrest Academy is reflected in the word Integer, which is Latin for “whole,” or “entire,” and reflects our goal of forming the whole child as an authentic “Person in Christ.” The school motto Semper Altius, means “Always Higher,” and challenges our students, parents, staff and faculty to strive for excellence in all areas of Integral Formation® - intellectual, spiritual, human and apostolic.